What is silver taels?

Silver taels were a unit of currency used in China and other countries in East Asia from the 16th century until the early 20th century. The term "tael" refers to a weight measurement of silver, and the silver taels were standardized weights of silver bullion that were formed into coins.

The weight of a silver tael varied depending on the region in which it was used, but typically ranged from around 33 to 38 grams. The use of silver taels was particularly prevalent during the Qing Dynasty in China, where the currency was often referred to as the "Yuan."

In addition to China, silver taels were used as currency in countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea. They were also commonly used in international trade with China, as silver bullion was a commonly traded commodity.

Today, silver taels are no longer in use as a currency, but they remain collectible items for coin collectors and those interested in historical currency.